Vivian Brown Obituary

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - San Francisco residents are mourning the passing of Vivian Brown, who became a local celebrity along with her twin sister after the two regularly walked through the city's streets in matching high-end outfits, identical hairdos and cheerful smiles.

The 85-year-old Brown died in her sleep on Wednesday at an assisted care facility in the city, Barbara Farber, director of development for Jewish Family and Children's Services, told the San Francisco Chronicle.

For 40 years, the Brown twins could be seen walking along San Francisco's streets, greeting tourists and locals alike. Standing 5-foot-1 (1.55 meters) and about 100 pounds (45 kilograms) apiece, the twins were also seen in commercials, made cameo appearances in films, appeared on talk shows and frequented civic events.

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee issued a statement saying Brown was a "truly remarkable woman who represented the best of our city."

Tom Sweeney, the B eefeater doorman at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, said that the twins were the only living attractions photographed as frequently as he is. And their hours were similar.

"Their day began when most people their age were going to bed," Sweeney said.

Vivian's twin, Marian Brown, said in August that Vivian suffered from Alzheimer's disease and had been admitted into doctors' care after a fall in July.

"My heart is aching for her," Marian Brown told The Chronicle on Friday. "We were always so close."

The Brown twins were born Jan. 25, 1927, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with Vivian being the oldest by eight minutes. They moved to San Francisco in 1973. They had no other siblings.

Attempts by The Associated Press to reach Marian Brown were not successful. A call to Farber on Saturday wasn't immediately returned.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - San Francisco residents are mourning the passing of Vivian Brown, who became a local celebrity along with her twin sister after the two regularly walked through the city's streets in matching high-end outfits, identical hairdos and cheerful smiles.

The 85-year-old Brown died in her sleep on Wednesday at an assisted care facility in the city, Barbara Farber, director of development for Jewish Family and Children's Services, told the San Francisco Chronicle.

For 40 years, the Brown twins could be seen walking along San Francisco's streets, greeting tourists and locals alike. Standing 5-foot-1 (1.55 meters) and about 100 pounds (45 kilograms) apiece, the twins were also seen in commercials, made cameo appearances in films, appeared on talk shows and frequented civic events.

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee issued a statement saying Brown was a "truly remarkable woman who represented the best of our city."

Tom Sweeney, the B eefeater doorman at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, said that the twins were the only living attractions photographed as frequently as he is. And their hours were similar.

"Their day began when most people their age were going to bed," Sweeney said.

Vivian's twin, Marian Brown, said in August that Vivian suffered from Alzheimer's disease and had been admitted into doctors' care after a fall in July.

"My heart is aching for her," Marian Brown told The Chronicle on Friday. "We were always so close."

The Brown twins were born Jan. 25, 1927, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with Vivian being the oldest by eight minutes. They moved to San Francisco in 1973. They had no other siblings.

Attempts by The Associated Press to reach Marian Brown were not successful. A call to Farber on Saturday wasn't immediately returned.

Guest Book Highlights

"I remember chatting with both twins when I was alone in the city. They made me feel so welcome in the city, prayers for you and the city. Thank you for all you did for the lost child."- Katie Vaccaro-Boyajan (Ottumwa, IA)

"Please be assured that the God of all comfort is with your family and will help you to endure the loss of your loved one {Romans 15:5}"- G. B. (Chicago, IL)

"so sorry for your loss. i grew up in kalamazoo and also recall seeing you both walking on the mall in kalamazoo. often wondered what happened, and i am in san francisco visiting and just saw this. prayers to you."- ruth ann weiss-hughes (delton, MI)

"Sincere condolences to the family and friends of Vivian Brown, Psalms 72:12 For he will deliver the poor one crying for help ....""- V B (Dolton, IL)

"Aloha Marian, It has been many years since I have been back to visit San Francisco. I have many fond memories of seeing both of you during the 1970s especially near Macys. Sincere condolences to you. With deepest Aloha, Linda"- Linda (Kaunakakai, HI)